Orthotic insoles for children

In flat feet (Pes Planus), the arch is low or missing and the sole is in full contact with the ground. Most young children have flat feet without any pathology — i.e., no aches, pains, or problems.

As they get older, the arch will typically start to develop in most children, and they’re no longer flat-footed. This usually happens from around 4 years old. If it doesn’t happen, you’ll commonly see that the feet stay flat and the child’s feet display “over-pronation”, excessive inward rolling of the foot and ankle. Poor foot mechanics may affect how the lower limb moves, causing heel, knee, hip, or lower back pain.

Not all children with flat feet need orthotics, especially if there’s no discomfort or biomechanical problems. However, orthotics may be considered in certain clinical situations.

It’s no secret that kids spend a lot of time on their feet. Whether it’s running around the yard, playing at school with friends, or competing in a sport on the weekend, their feet have to support them through it all. Here at Footlogics, we’re proud to be a leading supplier of kids’ orthotics, with more than 18 years of experience behind us.

We’re passionate about providing the highest quality orthotics available to ensure your children can grow up happy and healthy, without suffering the kinds of eventual health issues that could keep them off their feet. We offer a quality range of shoe inserts for toddlers up to teenagers, even an orthotic designed for soccer players!

Orthotics are just one tool. Strengthening exercises for intrinsic foot muscles and lower limb stability can be very useful for your child. Suitable footwear with a firm heel counter is also important. Please consult your child’s doctor, pediatrician, or a podiatrist about the best course of action. A professional assessment of symptoms, foot mechanics, gait patterns, activity levels, and development will help support more informed decisions.

Children commonly need orthotics around four or five years old. When babies start walking, their arches are still forming, so their feet are almost completely flat. This is because newborns’ feet contain fat pads in each arch. Leg and foot muscles aren’t yet strong enough to support the arches when standing as the infant grows.

By age 4–5, their arches will have largely formed. If your child is still flat-footed at this age, you should consider orthotic shoe inserts — after consulting your child’s doctor or pediatrician. The right age for orthotics will also depend on the individual child’s condition and growth; some children grow faster and are taller for their age than others. When flat feet or excess pronation concerns appear early, children could start wearing orthotics from age 3. Orthotics may also be used in toddlers for severe foot abnormalities.

Foot, leg, and back discomfort can result from improper foot alignment. Flat feet and over-pronation may lead to Sever’s disease (pain at the back of the heel), stress fractures, or knee pain (Osgood-Schlatter’s). Orthotics may help alleviate or prevent lower extremity discomfort and injury. Orthotic shoe inserts can help optimize foot bone and joint alignment, improve lower limb posture, and reduce stress on the knees, ankles, and feet.

When it comes to arch supports for your child, there are two options: custom-made orthotics from a podiatrist, or pre-made orthotics, also known as “off-the-shelf” orthotics. Custom orthotics for children usually cost around $150–250, including consultation, and in some cases require adjustments with additional visits to the podiatrist. Because children’s feet grow so fast and new orthotics are typically required every 6–12 months, many parents consider a pre-made orthotic as a more affordable alternative.

Provided the pre-made orthotic features strong arch support and a deep heel cup (for rearfoot stability), this is a worthwhile option to consider. Footlogics children’s orthotics are medical-grade and designed to the same rigorous standards, offering support for your child’s podiatric health and wellbeing at an affordable price, even if you have to size up every year. As your child’s feet grow, instead of Footlogics Kids, they can transition to our adult orthotics, like Footlogics Casual and Comfort, in the smallest size (XS).